Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chak de India not only aims to explore a road less travelled by Bollywood but also offers moments of glory to an unheralded Meghalaya player and the Indian Women's Hockey Federation.

Lalhmingkimi Khiangte, a real-life goal-keeper, is one of the 16 players of the low-profile Indian team that coach Shah Rukh Khan leads to World Cup victory on the silver screen.

Shah Rukh plays former Indian goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi, who fell from the grace after conceding seven goals against Pakistan in the 1982 Asian Games final, after which he was dropped from the side.

Negi, however, managed to extricate himself from the disgrace by guiding the women team to Commonwealth Games glory in 2002.

The IWHF is happy with one of its players sharing the screen with 'King' Khan, while the federation is also happy with the whole project.

"They (Yash Raj Films) had a 20-days camp here and during that they chose this girl, who is a goalkeeper, for a role in the movie," IWHF Secretary Amrit Bose said.

The decision to hire Lalhmingkimi was a smart move by the film company to add a North-East flavour to the team and give it an all-India look.

While the Meghalaya player is awaiting her moments of glory, the IWHF is licking its lips in anticipation of netting more sponsors courtesy the publicity generated by the film.

"The film would also boost the morale of the players. It would spread awareness among public about the sport. And we expect a lot of sponsorship to come our way," Bose said.

Bose said she was impressed with the way the director of the movie, Shimit Amin, trod a road not taken and worked hard on every small aspect of the project.

"Shimit Amin got the idea when he read a three-line story in a paper on Indian women's hockey team winning the 2002 Commonwealth Games gold in Manchester. From day one they have been associated with us. They sought every detail, like the venues, coaching camps, itinerary and international assignments.

"We are very happy with the whole project and are delighted to see the promos on television," she said.

Bose said she would make arrangements for all the players, who are presently at the national camp in Lucknow, to watch the movie.

"We are very excited and are waiting impatiently for its release. I would make sure that all the players watch the film at Lucknow. And I expect free tickets for all the national team players," she signed off.